Join us at the Wellington Tramway Museum as we put our latest restoration project into active service at the museum!
Tram 17 was built in 1904 by the Wellington City Council Tramways as a four wheeled box (Palace) style tram. By 1917 the system had grown and 17 was rebuilt into its current form adding a set of trucks converting the tram to 8 wheels. Tram tram saw regular service until the 1940’s where it was eventually use for peak time travel, before being withdrawn in the late 50’s.
It was then sold, and taken to Bell road in Raumati on the Kapiti coast where it served as a beach hutt until the 80’s where it was donated to the Wellington tramway museum for display and eventual restoration.
2014 a conservation and restoration plan was put together, and the tram was shipped out to the Wheelwright Shop in the Wairarapa for a full body overhaul. It was transported back to the museum in 2017 and put on public display until new trucks (wheelsets) could be manufacturedby A&G price in Thames.
Since 2019 the tram has undergone new wiring, and extensive testing and running in and is now ready to take passengers along our museum.
Tram 17 is a wonderful achievement by all
Those involved, and we cannot wait to welcome you this Father’s Day to enjoy a ride on this heritage tram, saved from the scrap heap, and then saved again from rotting away.
Please note: We intend to run tram 17, however due to the nature and style of the tram, its operation is weather dependent. If we deem that the tram cannot run, we will advise accordingly.
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